Genetic diversity of endangered Manglietia patungensis assessed by inter simple sequence repeat and sequence-related amplified polymorphism markers

Manglietia patungensis Hu is an endangered plant native to China. Knowledge of its genetic diversity and structure would aid its conservation. This study assessed nine natural populations of M. patungensis using two methods: inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. Using 10 ISSR primer pairs, 334 bands were generated, and 10 SRAP primer pairs generated 276 bands. The percent of polymorphic bands (91.32% and 93.48%), Nei's genetic diversity (0.3448 and 0.3323), and Shannon's information index (0.5075 and 0.4935) revealed a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. Total heterozygosity was 0.3439 by ISSR and 0.3281 by SRAP. The mean heterozygosity was 0.2323 by ISSR and 0.2521 by SRAP. The coefficient of genetic differentiation among natural populations was 0.3245 by ISSR and 0.2316 by SRAP. These data indicated higher levels of genetic diversity of M. patungensis within, rather than among, populations. Estimates of gene flow among natural populations were 1.0411 and 1.0589, which implied a certain amount of gene exchange among populations. A Mantel test revealed no significant correlation between genetic and geographic distance. ISSR and SRAP markers are both effective for genetic diversity research in M. Patungensis. Based on these results, conservation of M. patungensis should be performed both in situ and ex situ.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of Butea monosperma (Lam.) Taub.- a potential medicinal legume tree

Three molecular marker systems, Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD), Inter-Simple Sequence Repeats (ISSR) and Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) were employed to investigate the genetic structure and diversity among the 14 natural populations of Butea monosperma collected from different geographical regions of India. Detected by 17 RAPD, 15 ISSR and 11 SRAP primer combinations, the proportions of polymorphic bands were 84.2 %, 77.2 % and 91.9 %, respectively, and the mean Nei’s genetic distances among the populations were 0.13, 0.10 and 0.13, respectively. Partitioning of genetic variability by Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed that the high genetic diversity was distributed within the populations. AMOVA also revealed that the coefficient of gene differentiation among populations based on F_ST was very high irrespective of markers used. The overall gene flow among populations (Nm) was very low. Cophenetic correlation coefficients of Nei’s distance values and clustering pattern by Mental test were statistically significant for all three marker systems used but poor fit for ISSR data than for RAPD, SRAP and combined data set of all three markers. For all markers, a high similarity in dendrogram topologies was obtained, although some differences were observed with ISSR. The dendrogram obtained by RAPD, SRAP and combined data set of all three markers reflect relationship of most of the populations according to their geographic distribution.     

Genetic diversity analysis of Perinereis aibuhitensis based on ISSR and SRAP markers of Chinese coast populations

The objective of this study was to obtain an overview of the genetic relationships within Perinereis aibuhitensis using Inter-Simple Sequence Repeat (ISSR) and Sequence-Related Amplified Polymorphism (SRAP) markers that were derived from related populations residing in the Chinese coasts. The percentage of polymorphic bands, Nei's gene diversity and Shannon's information index revealed a high level of genetic diversity at the species level. The analysis of molecular variance revealed that 81.22% (ISSR) and 76.29% (SRAP) of variability were partitioned among individuals within populations, which indicated the coherent trend by Nei's genetic differentiation (Gst) (0.2568/0.2876). The gene flow number (Nm) was 1.4470/1.2385, which indicated that there was limited gene exchange between populations. The phylogenetic tree of the ten P. aibuhitensis populations was separated into four major clusters using the neighbor-joining (NJ) method. These results provide a simple and useful basis for P. aibuhitensis germplasm research and aquaculture breeding.     

Genetic diversity and population structure of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Salvia miltiorrhiza</Emphasis> Bge in China revealed by ISSR and SRAP

Salvia miltiorrhiza Bge is a traditional Chinese medicinal herb used as an important drug to cure cardiovascular diseases. In this work, inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequence related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers, were applied to assess the level and pattern of genetic diversity in five important cultivated populations of S. miltiorrhiza. Among these populations, 120 bands were amplified by 5 ISSR primers, of which all were polymorphic, and 110 polymorphic bands (90.16%) were observed in 122 bands amplified by 6 SRAP primers. A high levels of genetic diversity at the species level was detected with Hs = 0.1951, 0.1927 respectively. Analysis of molecular variance revealed that a greater proportion of total genetic variation existed within populations (86.64 and 84.83% respectively) rather than among populations (13.36 and 15.17% respectively). Cluster analysis divided the five populations into two groups. The genetic relationships among populations have low correlation with their geographical distribution (Mantel test; r = 0.4870 and 0.5740 respectively). The study indicated that both ISSR and SRAP markers were effective and reliable for assessing the degree of genetic variation of S. miltiorrhiza. Our results suggested that random collecting, preserving and planting seeds without deliberate selection might be an efficient way to conserve genetic resources of medicinal plants. Their effective use was also discussed on the further breeding.     

Highly differentiated populations of the narrow endemic and endangered species Primula cicutariifolia in China,revealed by ISSR and SSR

The perennial herb Primula cicutariifolia Pax is an endangered and endemic species with narrow distribution in eastern Anhui and Zhejiang provinces of China. In this study, the levels of genetic variation and the pattern of genetic structure in five natural populations of P. cicutariifolia were assessed by inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Both markers revealed that there was remarkably low genetic variation within populations (e.g., H_e = 0.19 and 0.18, for ISSR and SSR respectively) and high differentiation among populations (G_ST = 0.714 and 0.611; Φ_ST = 0.698 and 0.599, for ISSR and SSR respectively). The level of population genetic diversity was correlated to population size only detected by ISSR markers. The genetic structure of P. cicutariifolia may be explained by limited gene flow that was caused by habitat fragmentation and limited seeds and pollen dispersal ability, self breeding system and biennial life form. To protect and avoid disappearance of P. cicutariifolia, much more attentions should be paid to protect all the remnant populations and their habitats, and three management units, i.e. Tianmushan, Damodao, and Panan units, were proposed.     

Population Genetic Study of Fagopyrum tataricum from Western Himalaya Using ISSR Markers

Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to analyze genetic diversity and relatedness of 15 germplasms of Fagopyrum tataricum. Samples representing 75 individuals were collected from a range of altitudes in the Western Himalaya. The 13 ISSR primers revealed 98.1% polymorphism among populations, whereas average polymorphism was extremely low (2.18%) within populations. The coefficient of population differentiation was 0.9750, with limited gene flow (N _m) of 0.0128. The average PIC value of the ISSR markers was high (0.812), with a marker ratio of 0.65 and marker index of 6.66. The genetic diversity of F. tataricum significantly correlated with altitude and gene diversity, Shannon’s index, and the percentage of polymorphic bands. The genetic diversity among populations showed broad genetic base and provided a developmental strategy for crop improvement.     

Virulence Structure of Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici and Its Genetic Diversity by ISSR and SRAP Profiling Analyses

Blumeria graminis f. sp. tritici, which causes wheat powdery mildew, is an obligate biotrophic pathogen that can easily genetically adapt to its host plant. Understanding the virulence structure of and genetic variations in this pathogen is essential for disease control and for breeding resistance to wheat powdery mildew. This study investigated 17 pathogenic populations in Sichuan, China and classified 109 isolates into two distinct groups based on pathogenicity analysis: high virulence (HV, 92 isolates) and low virulence (LV, 17 isolates). Populations from Yibin (Southern region), Xichang (Western region), and Meishan (Middle region) showed lower virulence frequencies than populations from other regions. Many of the previously known resistance genes did not confer resistance in this study. The resistance gene Pm21 displayed an immune response to pathogenic challenge with all populations in Sichuan, and Pm13, Pm5b, Pm2+6, and PmXBD maintained resistance. AMOVA revealed significantly higher levels of variation within populations and lower levels of variation among populations within regions. High levels of gene flow were detected among populations in the four regions. Closely related populations within each region were distinguished by cluster analyses using ISSR and SRAP alleles. Both ISSR and SRAP allele profiling analyses revealed high levels of genetic diversity among pathogenic populations in Sichuan. Although ISSR and SRAP profiling analysis showed similar resolutions, the SRAP alleles appeared to be more informative. We did not detect any significant association between these alleles and the virulence or pathogenicity of the pathogen. Our results suggest that ISSR and SRAP alleles are more efficient for the characterization of small or closely related populations versus distantly related populations.     

Analysis of genetic variation in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idellus) from native and colonized regions using ISSR markers

The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), a freshwater species native to China, have been introduced in more than 100 countries. In this paper, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers were used to evaluate genetic variation within and among grass carp populations sampled from its native (China) and colonized habitats (USA, Hungary, and Japan). Twenty-two ISSR primers were used to generate 207 bands, of which 82 (39.61 %) were polymorphic. The highest genetic diversity was observed in the Yangtze River population, whereas the lowest diversity was found in the Tone River population (Japan). Compared with colonized populations, the native populations possess approximately twice as much genetic diversity. The AMOVA analysis showed a relatively high level of genetic variation within populations. Significant genetic differences were revealed both among the native populations and between pooled native and colonized populations.     

Assessment of genetic diversity and population structure of Bergenia stracheyi (Saxifragaceae) in the Western Himalaya (India)

Genetic diversity and population structure in Bergenia stracheyi, a threatened medicinal herb in the Western Himalaya of India was analysed using directed amplification of minisatellite DNA (DAMD) and inter simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. A total of 41 accessions of B. stracheyi representing three populations (Khillenmarg –KLM, Jalori Pass-JLP and Rohtang-RTG) were considered in the present study. The cumulative data analysis for 26 (10 DAMD + 16 ISSR) markers revealed 87.1% polymorphism. The maximum inter-population genetic distance was found between KLM and JLP, whereas the minimum genetic distance was found between RTG and JLP populations. The analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) revealed maximum percentage of variation among individuals within populations (75%) than among the populations (25%). Clustering pattern of the three sample populations in STRUCTURE and PCoA analyses showed high genetic variation at population level. The present study revealed that distribution patterns, high altitudinal ranges, high habitat specificity, relatively high gene flow, small and isolated population size have shaped the current population structure of B. stracheyi in the Western Himalayan region. DAMD and ISSR markers have provided significant insights into characterization of B. stracheyi populations, and facilitate selection of appropriate accessions for further utilization in conservation and bioprospecting programmes.     

Genetic diversity within and among populations of the endangered and endemic species Primula merrilliana in China

Primula merrilliana Schltr. is an endangered and narrowly-distributed endemic species of southern Anhui Province in China. In this study, the level of genetic variation and the pattern of genetic structure in six natural populations of P. merrilliana were assessed by using ISSR (inter-simple sequence repeats) markers. Based on ten primers, 137 clear and reproducible DNA fragments were generated, of which 109 were polymorphic. The statistical results indicated that there was a relatively low genetic diversity within populations, and a high genetic differentiation among populations (G_ST = 0.53, Φ_ST = 0.49). The level of population genetic diversity was correlated to habitat type and the gene flow (N_m) was low with only 0.45. The unexpected genetic structure of P. merrilliana may be explained by limited gene flow that was caused by habitat fragmentation and limited seeds and pollen dispersal ability, self-compatible breeding system and biennial life form.     

DNA typing and genetic relations among populations of Kelussia odoratissima using ISSR and SRAP markers

Kelussia odoratissima is well known for its medicinal importance. It has been announced as an endangered species. Thus, examining the genetic variation and conservation of this plant is necessary. In the present study, inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) molecular markers were employed for the first time to access the genetic diversity and relationships of 77 wild individual plants of K. odoratissima collected from seven populations in Central Zagros region of Iran. A total of 146 bands were amplified by 12 ISSR primers, of which 129 (87.80 %) were polymorphic, while 69 polymorphic bands (83.30 %) were observed among 86 bands amplified by 11 SRAP primers. Polymorphic information content (PIC = 0.32), resolving power (Rp = 7.80), and marker informativeness (MI = 3.48) generated by ISSR primers were higher than that of SRAP analysis (PIC = 0.30, Rp = 5.61, and MI = 1.88). The study indicated that ISSR were more effective than SRAP markers for assessing the degree of genetic variation of K. odoratissima. In both UPGMA dendrograms of ISSR and SRAP, in most cases, individuals from each population were clustered in various groups without clear separation, which demonstrates the high variability of this germplasm in Iran. UPGMA cluster analysis revealed inconsistencies in the clustering patterns, as the Mantel’s test between the dendrograms for ISSR and SRAP data indicated a poor fit for the ISSR and SRAP data types (r = 0.10). Besides, principal coordinate analysis results showed that the first three principal coordinates account for 65.57 % of the total variation and studied seven populations were separated from each other and placed into five groups. These results have an important implication for K. odoratissima germplasm characterization, improvement, and conservation.     

Genetic Diversity of Pleurotus pulmonarius Revealed by RAPD,ISSR, and SRAP Fingerprinting

Pleurotus pulmonarius is one of the most widely cultivated and popular edible fungi in the genus Pleurotus. Three molecular markers were used to analyze the genetic diversity of 15 Chinese P. pulmonarius cultivars. In total, 21 random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD), 20 inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR), and 20 sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) primers or primer pairs were selected for generating data based on their clear banding profiles produced. With the use of these RAPD, ISSR, and SRAP primers or primer pairs, a total of 361 RAPD, 283 ISSR, and 131 SRAP fragments were detected, of which 287 (79.5 %) RAPD, 211 (74.6 %) ISSR, and 98 (74.8 %) SRAP fragments were polymorphic. Unweighted Pair-Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) trees of these three methods were structured similarly, grouping the 15 tested strains into four clades. Subsequently, visual DNA fingerprinting and cluster analysis were performed to evaluate the resolving power of the combined RAPD, ISSR, and SRAP markers in the differentiation among these strains. The results of this study demonstrated that each method above could efficiently differentiate P. pulmonarius cultivars and could thus be considered an efficient tool for surveying genetic diversity of P. pulmonarius.     

Genetic diversity in Vicia amoena (Fabaceae) germplasm resource in China using SRAP and ISSR markers

The genetic diversity in 17 germplasms of Vicia amoena L. from north China was analyzed using SRAP and ISSR markers. Three hundred and sixty-eight (94.11%) polymorphic bands (211 and 157 obtained from 20 pairs of SRAP and ISSR primers, respectively) were scored. Although SRAP was more effective than ISSR markers with higher PIC, RP and larger variation range of genetic distance, both the markers were useful for assessing V. amoena genetic diversity. Cluster analysis showed that the 17 germplasms were clustered into 5 groups. The results of principal coordinate analysis supported UPGMA clustering. The germplasms from source areas where the annual average temperature ranged from −1.0 to 5 °C exhibited the highest level of genetic diversity with the highest PPI, I and H. These results have important implications in genome mapping, breeding purposes, and germplasm conservation.     

Lack of genetic variation of an invasive clonal plant Eichhornia crassipes in China revealed by RAPD and ISSR markers

Random amplified polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs) and inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSRs) markers were used to analyze genetic structure of six populations of invasive plant Eichhornia crassipes that were sampled from its introduced regions in Southern China. Using 25 RAPD primers and 18 ISSR primers, 172 RAPD bands and 145 ISSR bands were produced respectively. But no polymorphic band was detected either within population or among populations by both markers, indicating the genetic diversity of E. crassipes in Southern China is extremely low, and all populations most likely consist of the same genotype. This study suggested that some other adaptability related factors, other than the genetic diversity, are responsible to the E. crassipes rapid expansion in China.     

ISSR analysis of genetic diversity of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau endemic Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia (Crassulaceae)

Inter-simple sequence repeat markers (ISSR) were used to estimate genetic diversity within and among 10 populations of Rhodiola chrysanthemifolia along Nianqingtangula Mountains and Brahmaputra, a species endemic to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and an endangered medicinal plant. Of the 100 primers screened, 13 produced highly polymorphic DNA fragments. Using these primers, 116 discernible DNA fragments were generated of which 104 (89.7%) were polymorphic, indicating substantial genetic diversity at the species level. Genetic diversity measured by the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) at the population level ranged from 21.97% to 48.8%. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) showed that the genetic variation was found mainly among populations (77.3%), but no regional differentiation was discernible. Variance within populations was only 22.7%. The main factor responsible for this high level of differentiation among populations is probably the historical geographical and genetic isolation of populations in a harsh mountainous environment. Concerning the management of R. chrysanthemifolia, the high genetic differentiation of populations indicates the necessity of conserving the maximum possible number of populations.     

A comparative analysis of genetic diversity in medicinal Chrysanthemum morifolium based on morphology, ISSR and SRAP markers

The diversity and genetic relationship among 29 populations of Chrysanthemum morifolium, one of Chrysanthemum indicum and one of Chrysanthemum nankingense from China were analyzed using morphological traits and molecular markers. Twenty morphological traits were scored as well as 182 ISSR marker-fragments, as amplified by 22 primers [the percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB): 81.87%], and 243 SRAP marker-fragments as generated by 26 primer pairs (PPB: 75.72%). Mantel’s test indicated significant correlation (r = 0.624) of morphological trait and SRAP. By contrast, the morphological trait showed low correlation with ISSR (r = 0.246). Cluster analysis showed groupings of the accessions according to all four methods correlated well with their geographic region of origin, and most populations from the south of China were classified into one cluster and most populations from the north of China were classified into another cluster. Finally, an appropriate strategy for conserving the C. morifolium germplasm was proposed.     

Population genetics of wild Hizikia fusiformis (Sargassaceae, Phaeophyta) along China’s coast

Hizikia fusiformis is one of the important commercially cultivated seaweeds in China. Inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) and sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers were used to assess genetic structure of nine wild H. fusiformis populations collected along the coast of China. Of the 255 bands generated by 21 ISSR primers, 99.61% were polymorphic and 99.71% of 344 bands amplified by 30 SRAP primers were polymorphic. The tested high genetic diversities show that the average Nei’s genetic diversity (H) were 0.1519 and 0.1624, and average Shannon’s information index (I) were 0.2248 and 0.2400 in ISSR and SRAP analyses, respectively. Unweighted pair group method with arithmetic mean (UPGMA) dendrograms of the nine populations were divided into two main groups. The ISSR and SRAP analyses values of gene differentiation (G _ST, 0.5955, 0.5486, respectively) indicate that high variation exists among the nine populations, likely due to external interferences and limitation of gene flow (N _m?=?0.3397, 0.4114). Our study indicated that human activities and herbivore overgrazing had influenced the natural Hizikia populations and that the understanding of population genetics would be helpful in sustainable utilization and biomass conservation of Sargassaceae resources.     

Genetic diversity within and among populations of Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora (Scrophulariaceae) in China,an endangered medicinal plant

Neopicrorhiza scrophulariiflora Pennel (Hong) (Scrophulariaceae) is an endangered medicinal plant, endemic to the Eastern Himalayas and the Hengduan Mountains. Levels of genetic variation and genetic structure of seven populations of N. scrophulariiflora in China were studied using inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. Thirteen primers amplified 82 total loci from 7 populations composed of 136 individuals. All 82 loci were polymorphic, showing a percentage of polymorphic bands (PPB) of 100%, indicating considerable genetic variation at the species level. In contrast, a low level of genetic diversity within populations was detected with a mean PPB of 30.56%. In addition, Nei’s genetic diversity analysis (0.4073) and Shannon’s diversity index (0.5917) revealed similar genetic structure. High levels of genetic differentiation (Gst = 0.6955) and restricted gene flow (Nm = 0.2198) among populations were also detected. Anthropologic impacts, together with clonal propagation, genetic drift and geographical isolation might be the reasons which had shaped the genetic structure of this species.     

Molecular diversity and population structure of the forage grass Hemarthria compressa (Poaceae) in south China based on SRAP markers

Hemarthria compressa is one of the most important and widely utilized forage crops in south China, owing to its high forage yield and capability of adaptation to hot and humid conditions. We examined the population structure and genetic variation within and among 12 populations of H. compressa in south China using sequence-related amplified polymorphism (SRAP) markers. High genetic diversity was found in these samples [percentage polymorphic bands (PPB) = 82.21%, Shannon's diversity index (I) = 0.352]. However, there was relatively low level of genetic diversity at the population level (PPB = 29.17%, I = 0.155). A high degree of genetic differentiation among populations was detected based on other measures and molecular markers (Nei's genetic diversity analysis: G(ST) = 54.19%; AMOVA analysis: F(ST) = 53.35%). The SRAP markers were found to be more efficient than ISSR markers for evaluating population diversity. Based on these findings, we propose changes in sampling strategies for appraising and utilizing the genetic resources of this species.